Kexin is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, with a strong background in biostatistics (MHS, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health) and physics (B.S., Fudan University). Her research is focused on using Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) to uncover metabolite distribution in the brain, helping to advance understanding of diseases like Alzheimer’s, stroke, and Parkinson’s. With five publications as a first or co-first author, Kexin is making strides in the field of neuroimaging.

As President of AWIS Baltimore, Kexin plays a key role in fostering communication, organizing events, and building a strong, supportive community for women in STEM. Her leadership is all about creating a space where members can connect, share experiences, and support one another on their career journeys.

Outside of the lab, Kexin loves swimming—a lifelong passion since age 5—and has recently taken up tennis. She’s always up for a practice match! Kexin is also dedicated to mentoring the next generation of women in STEM, drawing from her experience as a former mentor with Women Mentoring Whiting.

Connect with Kexin:
LinkedIn: Kexin Wang
Email: president@awisbaltimore.org

Noga is a Ph.D. student in Biomedical Engineering at Johns Hopkins University, with a dual B.Sc. in Biomedical Engineering and Neuroscience from Tel Aviv University. Her research focuses on developing advanced computational methods to analyze complex, high-dimensional neural activity—a true intersection of engineering and neuroscience!

As President-Elect of AWIS Baltimore, Noga actively supports the chapter’s president and takes on various responsibilities to ensure the success of AWIS Baltimore's initiatives. Her leadership helps drive the chapter's mission of empowering women in STEM.

Outside of her research, Noga loves reading, dancing, and exploring new places. Whether she’s diving into a book or traveling to a new destination, she brings passion and curiosity to everything she does!

Connect with Noga:
LinkedIn: Noga Mudrik
Email: president@awisbaltimore.org

Alexandra holds a Ph.D. in Molecular Microbiology and Immunology from the University of Maryland-Baltimore, along with an M.S. in Microbiology and Immunology from Tulane University and a B.A. in International and Global Studies from Sewanee: University of the South. Her passion lies in understanding infectious diseases, particularly how pathogens affect us and how the immune system responds. Alexandra is currently a postdoctoral research fellow at the FDA’s Center for Biologics Research and Review, where she focuses on T cell immunity against SARS-CoV-2 infections and vaccines.

Alexandra’s experience includes publishing two first-author research papers and presenting at prestigious conferences like the Merck Emerging Talent Symposium and the Gordon Research Conference. As a past president of AWIS Baltimore (2021-2023), she led initiatives that increased fundraising, expanded membership, and organized in-person events focused on career support and leadership skills. Under her leadership, AWIS Baltimore was honored with the 2022 Shooting Star Award in Entrepreneurship by the AWIS National Organization.

As Secretary, Alexandra curates the chapter’s monthly newsletter and manages external correspondence, continuing her mission of building a supportive community for women in STEM.

When she’s not diving deep into research, you can find Alexandra exploring the city or dancing salsa and bachata!

Connect with Alexandra:
Twitter: @AlexandraYSoare
LinkedIn: Alexandra Soare

Yang is currently a Ph.D. candidate in Biomedical Engineering at Johns Hopkins University, where she also earned her M.S. in Biomedical Engineering. Her research focuses on developing cutting-edge digital molecular assays to evaluate DNA methylation biomarkers from liquid biopsies, such as blood, sputum, and stool, for the early detection of cancer.

As Director of Membership for AWIS Baltimore, Yang is dedicated to growing and engaging the community. She works to attract new members, including students and institutional partners, while also fostering meaningful connections among current members.

When she’s not in the lab or working with AWIS, Yang enjoys staying active with badminton, golf, and pickleball. She’s also passionate about giving back to her community, whether it’s teaching science to kids or volunteering as a dog walker.

Connect with Yang:
LinkedIn: Yang Zhao
Email: membership@awisbaltimore.org

Chelsea holds an M.S. in Marine, Estuarine & Environmental Sciences from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, and a B.S. in Biology with an emphasis in Marine Studies from San Diego State University. Her research has focused on understanding Seagrass Wasting Disease, caused by Labyrinthula zosterae, including its detection, quantification, and potential mitigation strategies. Currently, Chelsea works as a lab technician in a comparative immunology lab at the University of Maryland, Baltimore School of Medicine.

As AWIS Baltimore's Director of Programs, Chelsea is dedicated to organizing events that strengthen the local STEM community. She coordinates logistics for quarterly meetings, collaborates with the marketing team to promote AWIS events, and gathers member feedback to continuously improve our programming. Chelsea is passionate about creating opportunities for women in STEM to expand their networks, form meaningful connections, and build community outside of their professional settings.

Outside of her professional life, Chelsea enjoys hiking, reading, baking, and gardening.

Connect with Chelsea:
LinkedIn: Chelsea Bergman
Email: programs@awisbaltimore.org

Obianuju earned her M.P.H. in Public Health from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and a BS in Psychology with a minor in Neuroscience from Sewanee: The University of the South. With 9 years of experience in clinical research, she has worked at esteemed institutions such as Children’s National Medical Center, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, and the University of Maryland, Baltimore School of Medicine. Her research has spanned areas from palliative care to GYN subspecialties and cardiac surgery, where she led numerous clinical trials and managed teams of research coordinators. Currently, Obianuju works in policy research for opioid and stimulant use disorders in collaboration with the State of Maryland Behavioral Health Administration.

As the Director of Public Relations, Obianuju curates the voice of AWIS Baltimore, developing marketing strategies and overseeing the chapter’s social media platforms. Her goal is to connect women in STEM, expand their career opportunities, and foster a supportive community.

Outside of work, Obianuju enjoys exploring Baltimore’s vibrant restaurants, dancing, and traveling to immerse herself in new cultures. She is also reconnecting with her Nigerian roots by learning Igbo, with plans to learn Yoruba next!

Connect with Obianuju:
LinkedIn: Obianuju Okonkwo
Email: socialmedia@awisbaltimore.org

Cosette earned her B.A. in Biology from Luther College and is currently a PhD student in Molecular Microbiology and Immunology at the University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB). Her research focuses on infectious diseases, vaccinology, and protein chemistry. Under the mentorship of Dr. Lynda Coughlan, Cosette’s thesis investigates neuraminidase as a target antigen for universal influenza vaccines. Prior to UMB, she worked as an ORISE research fellow at the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, where she developed mRNA and nanoparticle vaccines for malaria, leading to two first-author publications.

As the Past-President of AWIS Baltimore, Cosette plays an advisory role, supporting the President and the Executive Board with her experience and insights to ensure the chapter’s smooth operation. She has held multiple leadership roles, including Director of Programs, President-Elect, and President.

Cosette is deeply committed to enhancing scientific literacy and inspiring young women, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds, to pursue STEM.

Outside of work, you can find her volunteering at the Maryland Science Center, playing beach volleyball or pickleball, or spending time at the dog park with her golden retriever.

Connect with Cosette:
LinkedIn: Cosette Schneider
Email: info@awisbaltimore.org